The following story was a finalist in the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest. The top three finishers received $500 in cash, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here!

Chili is my grandpuppy that I keep all week while her parents are working... and some weekends. She was 12-weeks-old when my daughter found her advertised and had been kept in a kennel most of the time. She was forced to eat her own feces to keep her kennel clean. I tossed that kennel right out after the first night. (She lived with me for six months while her parents bought a home.)

PHOTO: DARLENE MCALLISTER

Chili developed Addison's Disease at a very early age and was sent home to die by her first vet, who didn't know or care what was wrong with her. She was taken to an all-night emergency clinic that night, and the prognosis was not good.

However, the next morning after many prayers and no sleep, when my daughter walked in, she was greeted by a very excited puppy who had been saved from the brink of death. After finding a great vet, Chili is now going on 8-years-old, and with her shot each month and pill everyday, she is doing awesome!

She is the sunshine in my day, and I love her dearly and am thankful she is here, healthy and happy (although a little nervous, which is normal). I do everything I can to make her happy.

PHOTO: DARLENE MCALLISTER

This story was submitted by Darlene McAllister in support of Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue. To read other stories from the Pawsitively Picture Perfect photo contest, click here!